Modular Frame for Boat Covers

ABSTRACT

A modular frame is provided for supporting a tarp or cover over the deck of a boat. The modular frame comprises at least two bipod end members and a plurality of elongated tubular members extending therebetween. The bipod end members include telescoping legs and a bipod end joint that supports the tubular members in axial alignment above the deck of the boat. Along the length of the connected tubular members may one or more midspan bipod members for additional support of the axial members. The midspan bipod members include telescoping legs and an upper axial sleeve to receive the elongated members therethrough. The lower ends of the bipod members include pads adapted to prevent scuffing or scratching of an underlying surface. Once the frame is assembled, a tarp or boat cover is supported thereover and along the length of the boat deck.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/182,870 filed on Jun. 22, 2015. The above identified patentapplication is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety toprovide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to frames for tarps and covers. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to a modular frame assemblythat supports a cover or tarp over the deck of a boat, whereby the frameassembly can be modified to suit the size and length of the boat beingcovered.

When storing a boat or protecting the boat during periods of non-use, aboat cover serves as an effective means to prevent damage to the boatfrom exposure to weather and the environment. Boat covers are providedin a variety of forms. This includes specifically designed covers forparticular boats. This also includes generic tarps or covers that arefastened over the boat to protect the same. Whether using a standardtarp or a fitted cover to protect a boat, common problems exist.

While covers and tarps keep water off of the boat deck, one major issuewith is the pooling of water, snow, or debris on the surfaces of thecover. This is a particular problem if the covered boat is exposed tothe elements for long periods, and not routinely cleaned. Standing watercan erode the cover over time, while heavier items such as snow andleaves can cause the cover to sage or deform in certain locations. Bothof these can wear the cover, leading to tears and holes. Even a smallhole or tear can allow water to leak therethrough and damage theinterior of the boat. This type of wear and tear can create expenses forthe user in repair and replacement costs. Therefore, there exists a needfor a modified boat cover support, whether the cover is specific to thegiven boat or a generic tarp secured thereover.

In particular, a device for supporting a cover or tarp above the deck ofa boat is desired, whereby the cover is angled and does not includelevel surfaces for debris and water to pool. Moreover, a device isneeded to elevate the cover above the deck surface, thereby separatingthe cover from the boat to prevent contact therebetween. The presentinvention provides such a device. Specifically, the present inventionprovides a modular frame that can be assembled and supported along thedeck of a boat (or along the open interior of a smaller vessel). Theframe includes several bipod members and axial members therebetween,which form a triangular structure to support a cover or tarp above thesurfaces of the boat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following summary is intended solely for the benefit of the readerand is not intended to be limiting in any way. The present inventionprovides a new modular frame for boat covers, wherein the same can beutilized for supporting a cover or tarp over the upper surface of a boatand with clearance between the boat and the interior surface of thecover.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved boat cover frame that has all of the advantages of the priorart and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a modular boatcover frame that is assemblable and customizable for a particular boat,and whereby the frame supports a tarp or cover over the boat and abovethe upper surface thereof to prevent pooling or sagging thereof.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular boatcover frame that comprises a plurality of elongated tubular members andat least two bipod end members to form an axial frame with bipod memberssupporting the ends thereof.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular boatcover frame that comprises one or more midspan bipod members thatsupport the elongate tubular members along their length between thebipod end members.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular boatcover frame, whereby each bipod end member have an upper bipod end jointand a pair of legs extending from the bipod end joint. The bipod endjoint comprises an upper end sleeve adapted to align with one of theelongated tubular members, along with a pair of bipod leg sleeves forsupporting the legs of the bipod end member.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular boatcover frame, whereby the upper end sleeve of the bipod end joint has anaxial direction, and whereby the pair of bipod leg sleeves extenddownward and off-axis from the axial direction of the upper end sleeveto form a three-pointed bipod end joint.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular boatcover frame, whereby each of the pair of legs of the bipod end membersand the midspan bipod members have a lower end. The lower end of each ofthe legs further comprise a pad secured thereto that is adapted toprevent scuffing or scratching of an underlying surface supporting thelower ends.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular boatcover frame, whereby the ends of elongated tubular members extendaxially between the bipod end members and along the axial direction ofthe boat when deployed. The elongated tubular members are adapted tosecure to adjacent tubular members when aligned with one another,thereby extending the overall length of the frame and the distancebetween the bipod end members. The elongated members furthermore secureto the upper end sleeves of the bipod end members.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular boatcover frame, whereby the bipod end members and the tubular membersforming a triangular frame adapted to support a tarp or cover thereover.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular boatcover frame, whereby each of the pair of legs of the bipod end membersand the midspan bipod members further comprises a telescoping legstructure with a lower end telescoping with an upper end. The lower endand upper end of the telescoping leg structure are securable togetherusing a connector, whereby the telescoping leg structure is adapted tochange the length of the leg and thus the height of frame.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular boatcover frame, whereby the midspan bipod members comprise an upper axialsleeve adapted to align with one of the elongated tubular members andreceive one of the elongated tubular members therethrough.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular boatcover frame, whereby the upper axial sleeve of the midspan bipod memberscomprises a hollow sleeve member with open ends and an cross sectionadapted to receive one of the elongated tubular members therethrough.The upper axial sleeve also has a pair of bipod leg sleeves extendingtherefrom that support the legs extending therefrom.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular boatcover frame, whereby the upper axial sleeve has an axial direction, andwhereby the pair of bipod leg sleeves of the upper axial sleeve extenddownward and off-axis from the axial direction of the upper axialsleeve.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular boatcover frame, whereby the elongated tubular members each have a first endand a second end. The first end may comprise a male threaded end, whilethe second end may comprise a female threaded end adapted to receive themale threaded end of an adjacent elongated tubular member.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular boatcover frame, whereby the elongated tubular members each have a first endand a second end. The first end may comprise a male threaded end, whilethe second end may comprise a captive, rotatable collar nut havingfemale threading adapted to secure over the male threaded end of anadjacent elongated tubular member.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular boatcover frame, whereby the elongated tubular members each have a first endand a second end. At least one of the first end and second end maycomprise a male threaded end, whereby the upper end sleeve of the bipodend joint further comprising female threading adapted to receive themale threaded end of an adjacent elongated tubular member.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will beparticularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and mannerin which it may be made and used may be better understood after a reviewof the following description, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a view of the modular boat cover frame of the presentinvention in a working state.

FIG. 2 shows a view of the end of the modular boat cover frame of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the elements of the modular boat coverframe of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like referencenumerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similarelements of the modular boat cover frame of the present invention. Forthe purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the presentinvention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used forsupporting a cover or tarp over and above a boat upper surface. Thefigures are intended for representative purposes only and should not beconsidered to be limiting in any respect.

The present invention provides a modular frame assembly that can beassembled and installed over the deck of a boat, thereby providing asupport for a tarp or boat cover positioned over the frame and over theboat. The frame, once erected, suspends the cover above the deck of theboat and provides an air gap therebetween. Moreover, the upper portionof the cover is angled by the single peak provided by the frame. Whenthe cover or tarp is tensioned thereover, the cover provides two angledsurfaces that are not prone to accumulating water, snow, or debris overthe period of storage. Therefore, the cover does not sag, pressure isremoved from the boat surface, and the condition of the cover/tarp ispreserved.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are shown views of the modularframe assembly of the present invention in a working state. In theseviews, an embodiment of the frame is shown, whereby at least one ofevery element of the frame assembly is used to support a cover over theboat 300. In particular, the frame assembly comprises a pair of bipodend members 101 along the ends of the frame, whereby the bipod endmembers 101 support one or more elongated tubular members 200 extendingaxially along the length of the boat 300. Along the tubular members 200are one or more midspan bipod members 102, which support the tubularmembers 200 along their length. The midspan bipod members 102 offersupport for the tubular members 200 when several tubular members arealigned and connected. The midspan bipod members 102 support theotherwise extended length of tubular members 200 between the bipod endmembers 101.

Each of the bipod end members 101 forms the outer extent, or end of theframe. Each supports a tubular member 200 and is designed to bepositioned at an end of the boat. The bipod end members 101 eachcomprise an upper bipod end joint 111 and a pair of legs 112 extendingdownward from the bipod end joint 111. The bipod end joint 111 is athree-pronged assembly that supports a pair of legs 112 and a tubularframe member 200. In particular, the bipod end joint 111 comprises anupper end sleeve 119 adapted to align with one of the elongated tubularmembers 200, and a pair of leg sleeves 118 extending downward from theupper end sleeve 119. The upper end sleeve 119 supports a tubular member200 of the frame, while the leg sleeves 118 support the pair of legs 112extending downward to form a bipod configuration.

More specifically, the upper end sleeve 119 of the bipod end joint 111has an axial direction that is aligned with the axial direction of thetubular members 200, and preferably aligned with the axial direction ofthe boat 300 (longitudinal direction of the boat). The bipod leg sleeves118 extend downward and off-axis from the upper end sleeve 119,extending outward from the axial direction thereof. In this way, thebipod end joint 111 comprises a joint with three-pointed joint withsleeves extending in different orientations. The result is an end jointthat supports a pair of bipod legs 112, and the peak of the frameassembly.

Extending between the bipod end members 101 is one or more tubularmembers 200. The tubular members 200 are rounded, preferably hollowstructures with a first end and a second end. The tubular members 200may also be solid structures without a hollow interior. The tubularmembers 200 form the upper peak of the frame, over which the cover ortarp is draped. One or more of the members 200 is aligned and connectedto form the frame length, which is preferably situated axially(longitudinally) along the bow of the boat 300 to be covered.

The ends of the tubular members 200 comprise one of either a malethreaded end and/or one that is adapted to receive and secure the malethreaded end of an adjacent tubular member 200. As shown in FIG. 3, eachtubular member 200 has a first end 203 and a second end 204. Each endmay comprise a male threaded end 205, or alternatively, one threaded end205 and another end adapted to receive a male threaded end. Inparticular, an end adapted to receive a male threaded end may comprisesan end with female threads along the interior of the tubular member, orone in which captive rotatable collar nut 210 is provided for securingover the male threaded end of an adjacent elongated tubular member. Inthis manner, two or more adjacent tubular members 200 are connectabletogether to form a longer length with a common axial axis.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the midspan bipod members 102 are shown. Themidspan bipod members 102 each comprise an upper axial sleeve 122 thatis adapted to align with the one or more elongated tubular members 200and receive one of the elongated tubular members 200 therethrough. Theupper axial sleeve 122 is a hollow sleeve 123 with open ends and a crosssection adapted to receive one of the elongated tubular memberstherethrough. The hollow sleeve 123 preferably comprises a smoothinterior that allows the upper axial sleeve 122 to slide relative to theouter surface of the tubular members 200. However, in some embodiments,the hollow sleeve 123 may comprises threads to secure to threaded endsof the tubular members 200. The preferred embodiment allows the midspanbipod members 102 to slide along the tubular members 200, therebyallowing in situ adjustment of each midspan bipod member 102 along theframe length after the assembly has been erected.

The upper axial sleeve 123 of the midspan bipod members 102 furthercomprises a pair of bipod leg sleeves 124 extending therefrom. The upperaxial sleeve 123 has an axial direction, while the pair of bipod legsleeves 124 extends outward and downward therefrom such that the bipodleg sleeves 124 are off-axis from the axial direction of the upper axialsleeve 123. Securing to the leg sleeves 124 are a pair of legs 112,forming a bipod configuration. In this way, the bipod end members 101support the ends of the frame, while the midspan bipod members supportthe midsection thereof.

Each of the legs 112 of the frame, including those of the midspan bipodmembers and the bipod end members, preferably includes an adjustablestructure. The adjustable structure allows the length of the legs 112 tobe adjusted, thereby changing the height of the end joints 111 and theaxial sleeves 123 of the frame. In one embodiment, each of the legs hasa telescoping leg structure with a lower end 113 telescoping within anopening in the upper end 115 of the leg. The legs therefore include two,slidable portions, whereby the lower end and upper end of thetelescoping leg structure 112 are securable together via a connector.The connector may comprises a spring pin or similar pin joint thatengages both the upper and lower legs portions using an aligned set ofapertures. Alternative configurations are contemplated, but thepreferred leg arrangement includes a height adjustable structure. Inthis way, an adjustable leg structure can change the height frameassembly.

Each of the bipod legs of the frame assembly comprises a lower end. Thelower ends preferably comprise a pad 114 or similar element adapted toprevent scuffing or scratching of an underlying surface below the lowerends. In particular, the lower ends may comprise a rubber element, anenlarged puck, or similar structure that is elastomeric or nonmarring topainted surfaces. This prevents the lower ends of the legs fromscratching or marring the surfaces of the boat 301 when erected andpositioned thereover.

Overall, It is submitted that the instant invention has been shown anddescribed in what is considered to be the most practical and preferredembodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be madewithin the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications willoccur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the abovedescription then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensionalrelationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations insize, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assemblyand use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in theart, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in thedrawings and described in the specification are intended to beencompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

I claim: 1) A boat covering frame, comprising: a plurality of elongatedtubular members having a pair of ends; at least two bipod end members;each bipod end member having an upper bipod end joint and a pair of legsextending from the bipod end joint; the bipod end joint comprises anupper end sleeve adapted to align with one of the elongated tubularmembers; the bipod end joint further comprises a pair of bipod legsleeves; the upper end sleeve of the bipod end joint having an axialdirection, the pair of bipod leg sleeves extending downward and off-axisfrom the axial direction of the upper end sleeve; each of the pair oflegs of the bipod end members having a lower end; the lower ends furthercomprising a pad adapted to prevent scuffing or scratching of anunderlying surface supporting the lower ends; the ends of elongatedtubular members being adapted to secure to adjacent tubular membersaligned with one another, and furthermore secure to the upper endsleeves of the bipod end members; the bipod end members and the tubularmembers forming a triangular frame adapted to support a tarp or coverthereover. 2) The boat covering frame of claim 1, wherein: each of thepair of legs of the bipod end member further comprises a telescoping legstructure with a lower end telescoping with an upper end; whereby thelower end and upper end of the telescoping leg structure are securabletogether using a connector; the telescoping leg structure being adaptedto change the height of the bipod end joint of each bipod end member. 3)The boat covering frame of claim 1, further comprising: one or moremidspan bipod members; the midspan bipod members comprising an upperaxial sleeve adapted to align with one of the elongated tubular membersand receive one of the elongated tubular members therethrough; the upperaxial sleeve comprises a hollow sleeve member with open ends and a crosssection adapted to receive one of the elongated tubular memberstherethrough; the upper axial sleeve further comprises a pair of bipodleg sleeves extending therefrom; the upper axial sleeve having an axialdirection, whereby the pair of bipod leg sleeves of the upper axialsleeve extend downward and off-axis from the axial direction of theupper axial sleeve; the one or more midspan bipod members each furthercomprising a pair of legs, the pair of legs extending from the bipod legsleeves of the upper axial sleeve; each of the pair of legs of themidspan bipod members having a lower end; the lower ends furthercomprising a pad adapted to prevent scuffing or scratching of anunderlying surface supporting the lower ends. 4) The boat covering frameof claim 3, wherein: each of the pair of legs of the midspan bipodmembers further comprise a telescoping leg structure with a lower endtelescoping with an upper end; whereby the lower end and upper end ofthe telescoping leg structure are securable together using a connector;the telescoping leg structure being adapted to change the height of theupper axial sleeve of each midspan bipod member. 5) The boat coveringframe of claim 1, wherein: the elongated tubular members each have afirst end and a second end; the first end comprising a male threadedend; the second end comprising a female threaded end adapted to receivethe male threaded end of an adjacent elongated tubular member. 6) Theboat covering frame of claim 1, wherein: the elongated tubular memberseach have a first end and a second end; the first end comprising a malethreaded end; the second end further comprising a captive, rotatablecollar nut having female threading adapted to secure over the malethreaded end of an adjacent elongated tubular member. 7) The boatcovering frame of claim 1, wherein: the elongated tubular members eachhave a first end and a second end; at least one of the first end andsecond end comprising a male threaded end; the upper end sleeve of thebipod end joint further comprising female threading adapted to receivethe male threaded end of an adjacent elongated tubular member.